V-Rag Magazine #19 - February 2011

vancouver's gay arts + culture rag

february 2011 issue 19

V-rag V a n R a g a z i n e

special

Winter Pride edition

Lisa Lampanelli www.v-rag.com

Winter Pride 2011 Grindr Tyra Sanchez Gentleman Reg Lady Starlight

w w w . f 2 1 2 . c o m

Under new ownership New Rates, New Specials lockers from $4 no i.d. required front & rear entrances

1048 davie 604.689.9719

V-rag

10 08

V-rag

16

V a n R a g a z i n e

february 2011

04 editor's note Happy WinterPRIDE!

06 lady starlight

The First Lady of Rock 'n' Roll

08 grindr date

Joel Simkhai talks hookups and Top Gear

10

lisa lampanelli

14

gentleman reg

16

tyra sanchez

18

derek neen

The Queen of Mean is actually nice!

live on stage 28

Terry Costa interviews Greg Armstrong-Morris

wayoutwest 29

Download MobileTag and let's get started!

good time charlie 30 Charlie David goes to Tokyo!

health & wellness 32 Good news! Sex is healthy!

1 girl 5 gays: DAVID 34

Indie rocker and gentleman

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 2 winner

560's seasoned doorman and NY legend

20 winterpride 2011

Your guide to all the Whistler parties

24

calendar of events

26

joan-e's rag

27

cotton around town

The city's most comprehensive calendar

The indignity of St. Valentine's Day

Miss Cotton's February luv-in

Q&A with MTV star David Robert

wasted thoughts 36 Rob Easton gets vain

food:notes 37

Oasis Ultra Lounge and Score On Davie

film & music:notes 38 Britney, Black Swan & Daft Punk

book:notes 40

Child 44 and The Happiness Project

events, nightlife & map 42 Weekly events, barhopping guide & map q&a:

dj robyn gravesi 46 DJ disco drag queen

20

february 2011 Issue 19

06

3

vanragazine #19

V-rag V a n R a g a z i n e

With over 15,000 monthly readers, V-Rag Magazine is Vancouver's largest monthly gay & lesbian publication.

Music, film, arts and culture, all with a homoclectic flare!

Become a fan to be entered into exclusive monthly contests and draws; just email us fans@v-rag.com

LIKE US! v-rag

FOLLOW US!

@vanragazine

Editor's

Note

We took a much-needed break for the Holidays, but V-Rag is back! And we're starting out 2011 with a bang, it's our Second Annual WinterPRIDE Edition. That's right, it's time again to pack your skis, snowboards, or rainbow toboggan and head up to Whistler from Jan. 30 till February 6. We've got a full guide of the things you should be doing while you're making the best of the sunshine and snow.

Also in this issue, more interviews than we've ever been able to fit one rag before – not sure how we did it! The Queen of Mean herself, Lisa Lampanelli, talks about her new marriage and her upcoming Vancouver performance (so brace yourselves), and the creator of Grindr wants to meet you! Lady Gaga collaborator and DJ Lady Starlight proves that she's the First Lady of Rock, while Gentleman Reg rules the indie rock scene with a gentle croon. Questions and answers from 1 girl 5 gays star David Robert and the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 2, Tyra Sanchez! Not only that, our regulars this month round up the new year with Joan-E, Charlie David, Terry Costa, Rob Easton, Miss Cotton, and DJ Robyn Graves.

On a side note, big congrats to Little Sisters for winning best booth at this year's Taboo Sex Show!

Shows that us homos know how to do it right! V Editor & Art Director Cole Johnston • cole@v-rag.com Editorial Contributors Jacqui Baille Lana Chunn Miss Cotton Charlie David Rob Easton Rob Farrow Jen Hill Joan-E Cole Johnston Jason Keller Jeff Lawrence Toby Moisey Michael Venus Printed by East Van Graphics Publisher Cole Johnston Design

Art & Photography Marian Bantjes Mike Crane GayWhistler Goldtest of Switzerland Bret Grafton Nicholas Jang JRS Photos Joe Kendrick Kate McLaren Bob Onoshi OutTV Reilly Rightmyer Warner Canada Norman Wong Cover Photo courtesy of Goldtest of Switzerland www.goldtest.com

Copy deadline for the March issue is Feb. 20. Ad space is available until Feb. 22 and can be booked by calling 604831-8179 or emailing ads@v-rag.com. Our rates are available upon request. V-Rag welcomes submissions but accepts no responsibility for the return of unsolicited materials.

V-Rag Magazine 1535 West Broadway, PO Box 29141 Vancouver B.C. V6J 1W6 V-Rag is printed monthly by Cole Johnston Design. No part of this may be reproduced in any form by any means without prior written consent from the publisher.

All content © 2011 Cole Johnston Design.

4

www.v-rag.com

6

photo by bret grafton

vanragazine #19

V-rag

7

Starlight

by Michael Venus

L

ady Starlight is a NYC-based heavy metal DJ and party promoter, but you'll probably know her better from her BFF, the other lady... Gaga. She's been keeping very busy with her former collaborator as the official tour DJ on The MonsterBall, and lands in Vancouver for one night only before joining Gaga at The Grammys in L.A. This forward-thinking rocker chick took the time to chat it up about what's going down.

What are the best things about being the tour DJ for The MonsterBall? What are the best things about being Lady Starlight?

Confusing people with heavy metal and performance art... and... confusing people with heavy metal and performance art!

How excited are you to have the Scissor Sisters joining the tour action?

Can't wait! We have a lot of mutual friends in the arts community in New York.

Who would you list as your biggest inspirations?

Iron Maiden, Rush and Van der Graaf Generator.

Artists who believe in their creative visions, and don't compromise for anyone or anything.

Favourite rock chicks?

Gee Vaucher and Eve Libertine from the Crass collective. The Runaways, Angela Bowie and of course hometown hero Lee Aaron!

What are you listening to currently?

Masks by Van der Graaf Generator. It's kind of a problem... I can't stop!

What are your favourite things about Canada other than Rush?

Bob's Red Mill Nutritional Yeast. It's a vegan dietary supplement... We can get it here, but it's different, and much better in Canada.

Fond memories of Vancouver?

Fishing and catching salmon with GaGa.

From Vancouver you fly off to L.A. for The Grammys. What is it like being with the biggest star in the world at these award shows?

It's hilarious! The entertainment industry is full of shit.

What are your future plans after The Grammys and touring with Gaga?

I'll be releasing an album, designing a clothing line and writing a book.

As a creative being, what are some words of wisdom for young kids who want a life in music?

Fuck the industry and do what you love. V Lady Starlight plays at Heart Breaker: The Love & Lust Ball, Saturday February 12th at Five Sixty. www.myspace.com/ladystarlightnyc

february 2011 Issue 19

Lady

vanragazine #19

Grindr

Date

by Cole Johnston

H

ave you noticed at gay clubs lately the line of guys along the far wall, all staring at their iPhones? Chances are they're not reading the New York Times. It's a phenomenon that's changing the way gay men interact with one another. It's Grindr.

Not that this is a new thing in the world of technology. Grindr has been around for almost 2 years now, and it already has over one million users in 180 countries. If you're a guy reading this, you probably even have it on your phone.

But is this form of geopositional communication turning us into a society of mutes who only chat via SMS or is it ushering in a bright new era where human contact is available at the touch of a finger? I got a chance to speak with Grindr CEO and founder Joel Simkhai about what he thinks Grindr is doing to and for the gay community.

"I go to clubs now and I see people on Facebook, I see them texting, I see people doing everything but talking," Simkhai explains. "So I think we're just a product of the smart phone revolution."

But is this a positive?

"I spent many years in chat rooms, online dating sites. I came out in AOL chat rooms. For me as i was coming out, I went to chat rooms

8

as a teenager to feel like I wasn't alone, that I wasn't some sort of freak, and that there were literally millions and millions of gay people in the world and all around me."

According to Joel, Grindr is more a way of identifying your fellow homo than a means of hooking up. "Almost everyday I walk around, I see someone, I make eye contact with them, I see them at the supermarket, I see them at the gym and I really have no way of contacting them other than saying hello I suppose. But it's really not so easy, especially if you don't know if they're gay or not."

It's true. Just like the advent of the internet, Grindr is breaking down barriers when it comes to meeting other gay men. In fact, they've reported heavy usage in countries you'd never expect. "We have users in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq‌" Simkhai says. "Places that aren't very gay friendly. It's nice for me to know that users in these countries where you can literally get killed for being gay, that we're a part of their lives in helping them meet other gay men. I can't even begin to imagine living in a country where if you were caught being gay, you faced such brutal consequences.

But it's nice to know that in certain countries we're helping them know they're not alone."

These are obviously all positive steps forward,

V-rag

www.grindr.com

february 2011 Issue 19

and something a lot of us here might not have thought of. Afterall, in the Western world Grindr is primarily used for hooking up with the closest guy available. Politically correct, Joel is quick to stress that Grindr has "no specific perception of what users should or shouldn't be doing." But I think we all know why we check Grindr at 3:30am.

"What we've put together is very similar to real life," asserts Simkhai. "It's just like going to a bar. You go to a bar, there's public behaviour that is acceptable when you go anywhere. Once you go to a private space, there's a different level of what's allowed and what's not allowed."

No matter what you use Grindr for, the movement keeps growing and growing. Sex, chat, friendship, even texting friends overseas (there are no SMS charges), the platform pretty much makes anything possible. It's a technology that has impressed even the most prominent heads of industry. Grindr recently won Best Mobile Dating Site at the 2011 iDate Awards and Stephen Fry even explained Grindr to a mostly straight audience on the British show Top Gear.

"That was one of our big moments. Literally overnight we had 10,000 downloads, we had 40,000 downloads that week. It was a big driving force for giving us momentum and London now is our #1 city in the world; ahead of New York, L.A. and San Francisco... I think partially because of Stephen Fry. He really made Grindr a household name in the U.K. It took us completely by surprise, I don't think I had even heard of Top Gear until then."

Not everyone's a fan, but most will admit just how revolutionary this little app is. Joel Simkhai has been a busy guy in the past 2 years, and he has a lot more planned for Grindr. "We're looking at different platforms; we have the Blackberry Beta which we're hoping to release to the public.

And we constantly look at other platforms. We're eager to bring it to the Android as well."

Does he think Grinder would work for a heterosexual audience? "I do. I think socialization is a human need, not a gay need. I think it would work, although it would differently. Men and women, just like gay and straight, are different. And they have different considerations.

We're in the process of developing a straight version of Grindr actually."

So maybe next time you're at the Roxy, all the girls will be on one wall, and all the boys on the other, iPhones in hand. Now there's a thought. V

9

10

photos courtesy of warner canada

vanragazine #19

V-rag

11

Lisa T

here are very few female comics that can play with the boys, on their terms, and in their sandbox. And when I say play, I mean grab them by the pecker, kick them in the nuts, throw sand in their eyes, and have them laughing like child masochists for “more, more, more!” Lisa Lampanelli is one of those comics.

Lampanelli, often called comedy’s Loveable Queen of Mean, got her comedy start in the early ‘90s. Her first big break was in 2002, when she was the only female comic in the now infamous Chevy Chase roast on Comedy Central (re: Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelos lack of onset chemistry, “I haven’t seen chemistry like that since Rosie O’Donnell poked Tom Cruise with her strap-on”).

Like June Cleaver on crack, Lampanelli takes no prisoners. “I do comedy like a guy. Quick punch lines, not long stories… things like that. Which gets me lots of male followers, which I am really proud of.

I am really proud that I appeal not just to women, or gays, or whatever… I think I appeal to everyone.”

With her signature 1950’s style dresses, pearls, and sweaters, Lampanelli looks like the mother you always wanted, but is really the slut of an aunt you never talked about. She comes on like a wrecking ball and leaves a path of dropped jaws and broken egos in her path.

Besides Chevy Chase, she has toasted, roasted, burned, and skewered the likes of Pamela Anderson, William Shatner, Jeff Foxworthy, Flava Flav, Larry the Cable Guy (“You’re so fat and stubbly you could be a stunt double for Rosie O’Donnell’s c*nt”) and David Hasselhoff to name a few. Gene Simmons said of Lampanelli when he found out she was going to roast him, “no way, she’s got a potty mouth and she’s gonna send me straight to hell!” If it's Lisa Lampanelli that is going to send Gene Simmons to hell, this is woman not to be trifled with.

My editor kindly asked me (from a safe distance) to interview Ms. Lampanelli, and needless to say, I was a bit nervous. Yes, it’s true that I have been known to have a bit of a potty mouth myself, and it takes a bit to make me uncomfortable. However, any person who can successfully

by Jen Hill roast Daniel Carver (Imperial Wizard and Grand Dragon of the KKK) on The Howard Stern Show is not someone I want to go toe-to-toe with when it comes to offensive and off-colour humour. Moreover, to add fuel to a budding reporter’s fire of nerves is that Lisa Lampanelli was once a reporter herself - and not just any reporter, but a reporter for Rolling Stone, Spy, and Hit Parader! This bitch was going to eat me alive. And not in a good way.

But a miracle happened… not quite a ‘Grinch’s heart grows 3 times the size’ kind of miracle, but Lisa Lampanelli - who at Shatner’s roast said of America’s grandma, “Betty White is so old, on her first game show the grand prize was fire” Lisa Lampanelli is actually really nice.

A Harvard grad, she says of her work, “It’s meant to be happy and fun and light. Even though the jokes are hardcore, you need everyone to know that you don’t really mean it.”

2011 is gearing up to be a big one for Lampanelli; a Canada and US comedy tour, a new marriage to Jimmy Cannizzaro under her belt, and a new puppy named Parker. “He’s named after Sarah Jessica… because they are both ‘ugly cute’.

He’s my first pet ever, Jimmy’s too, and we just love it. And what’s really great is he comes on tour with me. If he shits on the hotel floor I just blame it on Jimmy and everyone believes me.”

2011 is also gearing up to be a big year for free speech and censorship both here and south of the border. With the works of Mark Twain under scrutiny in the States and Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing” under the microscope of censorship here in Canada, how does this attention to “bad words” affect shock comics like Lampanelli?

“It’s retarded. The guy in the Dire Straits song, it’s about ignorant people that he (Mark Knopfler) overheard. He literally heard some guy in an electronics store saying this stuff. I was working (as a reporter) when that song was really popular. I remember when it came out. In the video, I mean they even have the TV screens to show that this was a real conversation, and how he (Knopfler) overheard these guys talking.

So you can’t even quote anyone anymore.

february 2011 Issue 19

Lampanelli

vanragazine #19

“It’s why I do the comedy I do. Luckily I can’t get fired from anywhere because I’m self-employed, but you need to look at the meaning behind it and when there is real hate there, not just making fun of the stereotype. Which is what I do. That’s what Mark Knopfler was doing with that song. He was making fun of those idiots who said that.”

Although she had no boundaries in her comedy (as faggots, wops, spics, hebes, foreigner taxi drivers who stink, her inability to get good looking white men and voracious ability to get good looking Black men, prissy women, Hispanic women, black women… just plain women, are all suitable targets), Lampanelli clearly has great affection for everyone on her hit list.

“You know I met the nicest lesbian (pronounced 'lesbeen') couple on vacation at a spa in Colorado a little while back. Which is so cool. She called her partner “wife” and I thought that was just a term, but they were from Vancouver. I am so excited to come to Vancouver! You guys need to come down here and show these stiffs a thing or two. You know, (show them) that gays can get married and end up hating their spouses like the rest of us.”

When asked about differences between her American audiences and those in Canada,

12

Lampanelli replies, “you know the biggest differences come after the show. In the autograph lines Canadians will ask for an autograph rather than demand one, or they’ll call me 'Ms. Lampanelli' rather than just yell 'Lisa!' You’ll never hear anyone say, 'hey bitch!' No one’s ever drunk and disorderly. Now hopefully, I won’t come up there and you’ll make a liar out of me! But during the show, you guys are just as sick and demented as we are.”

Lampanelli is ready to pull out all the stops at her upcoming Vancouver show. “Every show is so different, because I do so much audience work and it’s so spur of the moment. You never know what I’m going to say. You won’t hear the same jokes that I do on TV. And you know, with a large amount of gay people in the audience I know the show is going to go longer. I love my gays and I have a lot of gay material.”

On paper Lisa Lampanelli is a brazen, loud mouthed, shock comic, but her success lays squarely in the twinkle in her eye and her huge heart. She’ll roast you alive and have you asking for more BBQ sauce. V Lisa Lampanelli performs at the River Rock Theatre on February 26. www.insultcomic.com

14

photo by norman wong

vanragazine #19

V-rag

15

by Jeff Lawrence

F

orgive Gentleman Reg for shying away from his masculine descriptor.

When you’ve been playing in bands for as long as the 35-year-old Ontario native has, you’re bound to want to break out of the routine somehow. So, months ago, Reg Vermue decided to put his stage moniker from the past decade, Gentleman Reg, on hold for a new project. Specifically the ‘man’ part.

“It’s Regina,” says Vermue, who, with a dazzling white-blond beard and matching curly hair, looks a little like a regal lion. Regina.

No last name. Just like Cher. This is the name of Vermue’s new drag persona, one he has adopted for performances with his new twoperson dance music project called Light Fires, a band started with Ohbijou’s James Bunton.

“It’s just something else to do. I was a little bit burnt out of writing, recording, playing tour music,” Vermue says. “I still love [those things], I just wanted something totally out of my element.”

While Regina won’t exactly be applying for RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4, Vermue has been showcasing her at “just the local places I hang out in Toronto. I’m not really connected to the drag scene,” he says.

“So far we’ve done three shows with me in drag now. It’s been really interesting, it’s all in Toronto in front of people I know. I think it’s really refreshing… it doesn’t look anything like me.”

It also doesn’t sound like the Gentleman Reg his fans have come to love since he released his first album, The Theoretical Girl, in 2000. A drag queen-fronted dance band is a far cry from the indie-folk-rock Vermue is best known for, whether it’s from his six Gentleman Reg releases or from playing with high-profile Canadian indie artists like Owen Pallett, The Hidden Cameras and The Arcade Fire.

Currently on a tour with fellow Ontario folk export Sarah Harmer, Vermue says projects of all shapes and sizes are always popping up and he’s just going with the flow. Despite only recently starting to record material for a new Gentleman Reg album, Vermue was asked to tour with the well-known Harmer based on the

Reg

quality of his previous albums, the last being a digital-only E.P., 2009’s Heavy Head.

“This tour was out of the blue completely,” he says. “It’s kind of nice, you put something out of the front of your mind for a bit and it comes back. It’s funny, even things like acting, they just sort of follow me a little bit.”

Ah, yes. It should not be forgotten that the Vermue’s fair visage sparkled, if only for a few minutes, in John Cameron Mitchell’s 2006 film Shortbus.

“Shortbus was obviously the biggest thing I’ve ever done,” he says. “I’ve acted since I was a kid, I just don’t think I’m very good to do anything other than cameo stuff.”

Asked how he ended up in such a sexually forward film, Vermue laughs. “Whenever someone needs an albino, they call me. That’s why I got that part. I knew John Cameron Mitchell, so there was a connection there, and he wanted me to be the albino.”

In it, Vermue’s character claims to be an albino even though Vermue himself is not.

Whether it’s Mitchell or any other name on his long roster of famous friends, he admits having such connections can be a double-edged sword.

“Does it drive me crazy? Sometimes. Well no, I mean, I’m obviously very happy for my friends…It’s hard not to want some of those things for myself,” he explains. “I’m not always a self-sustaining artist, I often have to do other things to make money.”

Regardless of how well-known his colleagues are, Vermue says he is still happy for how far they’ve come, and for how far he has come.

“It started gradually back in the day, The Hidden Cameras had some success, and it’s just been rolling. Now it’s like The Arcade Fire are playing at The Grammys, and we used to play Ottawa together in front of 50 people,” he says.

“Sometimes I really have to check myself regularly that I’m not getting too into that stuff… I still am enjoying what I’m doing.” V Heavy Head is available now on iTunes, Light Fires will be released later this year. www.gentlemanreg.com

february 2011 Issue 19

Gentleman

W

hen the dark horse of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 2 ended up winning, fans immediately knew to expect the unexpected with Season 3. Tyra Sanchez is the perfect queen to usher in a brand new season of the hit reality show, and we got a few minutes with her before the Season 3 Launch Party at Celebrities.

You're coming to Vancouver for Winter Pride. This isn't your first time here though, what did you think of the city when you were here in the summer?

Well I didn't get a chance to see a lot of the city, but I loved the nightlife. Working at the clubs was very very fun. I really enjoyed that part. Hopefully this time I'll have time to explore the city a little more.

You've been touring a lot lately. How do you balance your new busy schedule with being a dad?

Well me and his mom really work together as a team. Whenever I'm out of town, she has him and it keeps things balanced out well.

Has he watched the show before? Does he know anything about your alter-ego?

He doesn't actually know anything about Tyra.

One day I'll tell him, but not just yet.

How has becoming the next Drag Superstar changed your life since the end of Season 2?

Of course I travel a lot now, and I don't have as many worries financially anymore. Which helps my family. I've met a lot of people too, celebrities and that, and it's been a big world of networking.

Have you kept in contact with some of the contestants of Season 2 then?

Oh yeah, all of us! We're always texting or talking on the phone. We're like a family.

photo courtesy of out tv

Might we see an appearance from you on the new season of RuPaul's Drag Race?

16

Ummm... There's a possibility. I mean last year, BeBe Zahara, Ongina and Chanel showed up, so you never know with Season 3...

What would you say the pros and cons of doing a big tour like this are?

I think the good part is that I get to explore new cities. Although I don't get a lot of time to really see the whole city, which can be frustrating. But I get to meet so many new people, I love that.

What have you learned in your short time doing drag?

V-rag

17

Sanchez

by Cole Johnston

The main the I learned is just to be myself. You always have to remain yourself in this business.

I don't listen to any of the rumours about me; like RuPaul says, "what other people think of me is none of my damn business".

There's a new TV show in the works and an album coming out, and I'm pretty sure you'll love it. I already have a single that I've been working on, and it's the kind of pop/r&b song that just gets stuck in your head.

Speaking of rumours, you had the blogosphere convinced you had breast implants after several appearances with big boobs. How did you get this stunning and realistic look?

What advice would you give the new girls coming in for Season 3 of RuPaul's Drag Race?

What's on the horizon for you in 2011?

To always remain themselves and to keep challenging themselves as the judges might ask them to do. And make sure the judges still see you. If they tell you to dress up like a chicken, be a chicken but still be you... as a chicken. V Tyra Sanchez performs at Celebrities Nightclub for the WinterPRIDE Avalanche Kick-Off Party Jan. 29.

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 3 airs every Monday at 10pm on OutTV. www.theworldoftyra.com

photo courtesy of jrs photos

Actually a fan ordered them for me from online, and it's just like with any costume. You don't wanna show to much, you don't wanna show too little, you wanna show just the right amount for them to seem real. They come in four different colours and you have them size it to you.

february 2011 Issue 19

Tyra

photo by kate mclaren

D

erek Neen is the friendly face that greets you every Saturday night at Five Sixty. He has worked at some of the most legendary New York City parties over the past twenty years and has brought his skills to Vancouver, making it even more like Vanhatten. If you ever get the chance, this guy has some amazing stories, and we got to pick his brain about some of his dearest memories about the NYC club scene.

winning a silly contest at Boy Bar in the East Village where the prize was $100 and a job assisting the infamous doorman Len Whitney, not so silly. I learned a lot from Len and went on to do the door at pretty much every club you ever heard of in New York for the next 21 years; the Building, Limelight, Tunnel, Palladium et al, but the two I became most identified with were the Roxy and Beige, the former for 17 years and the latter for 13.

You've been very popular doing this sort of work for many years in New York City and helped create some of the most legendary club nights over the years. Please give our readers a brief history lesson on some of the nights you have been involved with and how you came to be "Door Man of the Year" in The Big Apple.

Who are some of the most famous people you met over the years and some of the more scandalous moments throughout your many Manhattan moments?

Haha, I guess if you stick around long enough you're bound to get an honourable mention of some kind. I'll leave that for others to judge, but I have had the privilege to being part of some legendary parties over the years. The NY adventure began for me in '89. I journeyed there for the New Year's Eve/Opening Night party at a club called Mars and never left.

After 6 months of clubbing and running amok, having gone through my savings and needing a job, I began doing some slutty go-go dancing at various places around town. That led to

18

Back in the mid to late '90s, Madonna was "dating" my head of security at the Roxy so naturally she and I exchanged a few back stage tales during that period. She later debuted two albums at the Roxy and would stop in at Beige from time to time. Rupert Everett and I were room mates for a several months at the NYC townhouse of a mutual friend – separate bedrooms haha! Alan Cumming has always been lovely to me and big supporter.

Shared some chuckles with Anderson Cooper and Jake Spears over the years. Beyonce, Cher and Bette Midler while performing at the Roxy, dinner with Ivana Trump, drinks at Beige with Mayor Bloomberg... a long and varied list but the truly scandalous moments I'm saving for the book.

V-rag

19

Neen by

Favourite DJs, promoters and drag queen personalities you've worked with in New York?

Promoters: Erich Conrad (creator of Beige), John Blair and Beto Sutter (Roxy); ladies of the night: Lady Bunny, RuPaul, Amanda Lepore, Kiki Mason, Sophia Lamar, Girlina (Lina), Candice Cane; DJs: Frankie Knuckles, Peter Rauhofer, Victor Calderone...

How did you come to work at Five Sixty?

It was interesting timing. I met Vince Alvaro, the man responsible for Five Sixty, back when I worked at his first Vancouver hot spot Graceland and we've been friends ever since.

He knew my lease was up and that I was a bit restless, perhaps looking for a change of scene, so he suggested I come out to chill a bit, get

Michael Venus

away from the madness and check out his new space. The chance to build something from the ground up in the city I cut my clubbing teeth in was intriguing and I had always thought about at some point returning with my experience and contacts to to do just that, so here I am.

Favourite things about Vancouver?

Wreck Beach, palm trees in Canada, the Brazilian invasion, Burgoo, tolerance, diversity.

Future Plans?

Short term, I should get a flu shot and pay my cable bill. Long term, only the gods of disco can answer that question... Stay tuned. V www.fivesixty.ca

GEORGE ORWELL’S

from

thecultch.com

$15

Vancouver East Cultural Centre 604.251.1363 | 1895 Venables St.

MAR 25 ďż˝ APR 3

february 2011 Issue 19

Derek

vanragazine #19

Winter

Pr ide

2011

S

o I’m a homo riding the chairlift with a couple of really attractive British guys.

They seem pretty straight. And despite the fact it’s 50 feet to the ground and they could shove me off to an early death, I pop a burning question.

“You know it’s Whistler’s gay ski week, right? Does it freak you out that gay guys might be checking you out… you know, thinking you’re hot?”

“Dude,” the hotter one replies, “I’m offended when they don’t check me out!”

And that’s the general attitude around Whistler for seven days every February: the gays are here, it's gonna be fun – reports Randall Shirley, travel writer.

GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE has evolved over the last 19 years from a group of gay skiers, lead by Brent Benaschak, protesting Colorado’s 'amendment 2' into one of the world’s largest Gay & Lesbian ski events. Last year, WinterPRIDE made history as it hosted the first Gay Pride pavilion, Pride House, at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Immediately following the games, they put on the annual gay ski week, much to the amazement of the world media seeing Olympic banners

20

V-rag

21

being replaced by the iconic Gay Pride flags.

If you are a skier/rider, you no doubt already know about the 11+ feet of snow the resort has and La Nina is expected to bring a whole lot more… So, why should you go if you do not ski? WinterPRIDE is so much more than just skiing on 8,171 acres of pure orgasmic snow bliss… there are the hot tub parties, dog sledding, snowmobiling, canopy tours as you zip from one tree top to another, incredible dining experiences like the Whistler Tasting Tours (#1 ‘must do’ on Trip Advisor) to the culinary delights of the Bearfoot Bistro, Hell’s Kitchen’s Araxi, Hy’s Steak House, and Quattro’s to a classic burger joint like the White Spot. And then there are the social events and parties…

So what’s on tap this year? Snowball moves back to their normal location at the Conference Centre 10pm-4am with DJ Adam Dreaddy opening, special guest appearance by Rock Star: SuperNova finalist Zayra, and taking it home is DJ Eddie Baez. Other artists throughout the week include comic Michele Balan, DJ’s JC Simon ARCADIA, Marcus Purnell, Ted Eiel, Nick Bertossi and many surprise guest stars...

Event Listings: saturday january 29 Release Avalanche Party 9pm - 4am Vancouver's kick off party to WinterPRIDE 2011 with special guest performance by RuPaul's Drag Race 2010 winner Tyra Sanchez. Celebrities, Vancouver sunday january 30 Après Party 3pm - 6pm Kick off the week at a Whistler classic - the CBB's. Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, CBB's Welcome Party 8pm - 10pm Come and meet up with new and old friends. Whistler Conference Centre, Grand Foyer Welcome Dance 10pm - 1am The party continues on for those that want to shake things up! Buffalo Bill's

monday january 31 Après Ski 3pm - 6pm Enjoy this new WinterPRIDE location at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, wicked patio, legendary Nachos! Merlin's at the base of Blackcomb Mountain Monday Martini Party 9pm-2am Are you Dirty or Dry? Shaken or Stirred?

Twist or Olive? Fruity or Traditional? Enjoy martinis your way and mingle with the crowd and start the week off with some delicious Finlandi Vodka Martinis. DJ Laela serves up some Funky House... Electro House... Dirty sexy beats that make you get your groove on! Village Nightclub tuesday february 1 Après Ski 3pm - 6pm A true Whistler Icon and centre stage for the 2010 Olympics. Join us slope side on Whistler Mountain for this classic Apres Ski locale. GLC

vanragazine #19 Tuaca Talk WinterPRIDE Fondue Snowcat Tour 8pm-11:30pm Experience the serenity of the high alpine, the twinkling lights of Whistler Village and the active nightlife of Blackcomb Mountain, all from the comfort of Canadian's luxury, heated 19 passenger snowcat. Canadian Snowmobile Adventures at the Carlton Lodge Echo Valley Ranch & Spa Cowboy & Cowgirl Party 9pm - 2am Get ready for a Ho Down with our friends at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa as they heat up the dance floor with some great line dancing with a true West Coast flare. Special guest appearance by the Timberline Dance Society.

Buffalo Bill's wednesday february 2 Après Ski 3pm - 6pm A WinterPRIDE favourite apres location Only the Bearfoot Bistro offers a permanent Vodka Ice Room, Champaign & Oyster Ice bar and live Jazz with Cameron Chu. Incredible culinary delights by Award Winning Chef Melissa Craig. Bearfoot Bistro Southern Comfort Gender Bender Party 9pm - 2am A night of cross dressing and festive reveling at Whistler's hottest night club - Garfinkles. Hosted by Kendra Doll and Buster Cherry; DJ Drew is sure to get you groov'n on the dance floor.

You can expect a lot of laughs and many libations!

Prizes for best Drag and more. Garf's Whistler

22

thursday february 3 Après Ski 3pm - 6pm Are you a Barefooter? The Barefoot team is on site handing out some samples to whet your palate! Whistler Conference Centre Comedy Night with Michele Balan 8pm - 10pm Hosted by Vancouver's Drag Diva Symone Whistler welcomes the hilarious and brash New Yorker, Michele Balan!

Balan was one of the four finalists on NBC's Last Comic Standing and she was the Last Women Comic Standing!

This is Michele's first tour to Whistler and we are thrilled to welcome her to PRIDE! Whistler Conference Centre Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Aruba Pool Party 10pm - 2am Let's get soaking wet!

WinterPRIDE takes over the Meadow Park swimming pool for a late night party hosted by the ever outrageous Drag Diva - Symone and the sinsational music stylings of JC Simon ARCADIA. Meadow Park friday february 4 Whistler Brewery Beer Tour 2pm - 4pm The brew master at Whistler Brewery invite you for a tour and taste of Whistler Beer. Learn how Whistler's Award-winning beer is made, enjoy samples of the brew. The tour will educate and entertain. Whistler Brewery, Function Junction Guy Spy Après Ski T-Dance 3pm - 6pm DJ Marcus Purnell whips up a frenzy with the classic

Apres Ski Village T-Dance.

Awards presented for the WinterPRIDE charity Ski Race plus lots of great door prizes! Whistler Conference Centre Furrocious 9pm - 2am DJ Ted Eiel gets down and dirty for a night of debauchery. Check out the Mini Fetish Fair with the Canadian Foreskin Awareness booth and win some Dirty Fukker underwear when you play our naughty games + other surprises. Whistler Conference Centre Purrlesque 9pm - 2am Special guest performance

by Zayra of Rock Star: SuperNova and a special Purrlesque treat from Diamond Minx and Maggie Pie just for the girls as DJ Foxy Moron heats things up for all the women in the valley!

GLC Snowstorm 9pm - 2am Celebrities returns for another amazing night at a new location: Garfinkel's. This year you will be entertained by Vancouver's Circuit Queen Syren. The amazing DJ Nick Bertossi will keep the dance floor packed until the late hours of the morning. Celebrities will decor Garfinkel's "Celebrities Style" and our Go Go Boys will dance Non-Stop! Garf's Whistler saturday february 5 Après Ski 3pm - 6pm The biggest and final apres ski party of the week! DJ whips up a fiery with great

V-rag

Shred Betties 9pm - 2am The closing party for the women of WinterPride........ performers, pounding beats, HOT snow bunnies and winter debauchery! Need we say more! GLC WHOOSSH Martini Party 8pm - 12pm Hosted by the incredible Ms. Willie Taylor and spinning the cool chill DJ Smoothie.

Partial proceeds to benefit Qmunity: Vancouver's LGBT Resource Centre. Brewhouse Snowball Dance 'Til Dawn 10pm - 4am The final wrap party of the week culminates with a star studded line up starting with DJ Adam Dreaddy,

special guest performance

by Rock Star: Super Nova and Billboard Dance Chart #1 artist - Zayra! DJ Eddie Baez heats up the floor with his incredible remixes and protects our revelers with his Treble and Base! Whistler Conference Centre sunday february 6 Farewell Brunch 10am - 1pm Say goodbye to your friends, new and old. CBB's Bar & Grill, Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa Après Ski 3pm - 6pm For those guests that have extended their stay CBB's will host a final apres for you. Come as you are and meet other guests that have stayed on. CBB's

Unwind: Social Sunday 4pm - 8pm Regroup and Unwind in Vancouver with DJ Nick Bertossi. Oasis is the official afterparty bar for WinterPRIDE 2011. Oasis Ultra Lounge, Vancouver These are just a few of the many events, parties and adventures happening in Whistler over WinterPRIDE. For a more detailed listing, pick up the WinterPRIDE Festival Guide 2011 or visit www.gaywhistler.com. Call 1-800-7871966 for more details. Special thanks to Dean Nelson and GayWhistler.com for the use of the editorial. Photos courtesy of MOVA Photo, Mike Crane and GayWhistler. www.mikecranephotography.com www.gaywhistler.com

february 2011 Issue 19

cocktail, beer & wine specials!

Whistler Conference Centre

23

february 2011

This month's artwork: Marian Bantjes is a B.C. designer, writer and typographer. She has designed covers for publications like The New York Times, Wallpaper*, Walrus, GQ Italia, Vancouver Review, WIRED, Eye and The Guardian.

This is a piece for Saks Fifth Avenue titled Saks Valentines. Bantjes' book I Wonder is available from her website www.bantjes.com.

7

Finger Eleven @ The Commodore

Oh Fuck It's Monday @ Oasis

14

Valentine's Day Don't Forget!

11th Annual People's Prom @ The Biltmore

21

Tops & Bottoms @ J Lounge

Monday Madness @ 1181

28

Karaoke @ Paparazzi, Victoria

Industy Night @ Score On Davie

WinterPRIDE After Party @ The Oasis

Superbowl XLV @ Score On Davie

13

Sunday Kegger @ The PumpJack

Apocalypstick @ The Cobalt

20

Pendulum @ The Commodore

Kitty Nights @ The Biltmore

27 – Closing Night

Osage County @ The Stanley Theatre

Balkan Beat Box @ The Commodore

Monday

6

Sunday

Tuesdays at Celebrities @ Celebrities

$2.50 Hot Dogs & Beer @ Score On Davie

22

Gang Of Four @ Venue

[title of show] @ The Revue Stage

15 – Opening Night

Ballet BC: Unreal @ Vancouver Art Gallery

Chill @ 1181

8

Toolbox Wednesday @ The PumpJack

Live Bands @ J Lounge

23

Wild Wednesdays @ 1181

Night at the Indies @ Cafe Deux Soleils

16

Dollicious Wednesdays @ Celebrities

Live Music @ Oasis

9

Gender Bender Party @ Garf's Whistler

Cowboy & Cowgirl Party @ Buffalo Bill's Whistler 11

Snowstorm 2011 @ Garf's Whistler

SPIT @ The ANZA Club

4

Friday

Sweet Friday @ Canvas Lounge

18

Shindig @ The Cobalt

Maceo Parker @ The Commodore

Eric Clapton @ Rogers Arena

25

Please send event and calendar listings to events@v-rag.com.

After Hours at the VAG @ Vogue Theatre

Liquid Therapy Thursday @ Paparazzi, Victoria

24

Freq Nasty Richard Durand @ Fortune Sound Club @ Five Sixty

Balls Beers & Queers @ Savoy Lanes, Nelson

17

Sad Mag Issue 6 Launch @ The ANZA Club

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf Gay Top Model Party @ Granville Isl. Stage @ J Lounge

10 – Opening Night

WinterPRIDE Pool Party @ Meadow Park Centre

Bitch, Get Real Michele Balan @ Fortune Sound Club @ Whistler Conference

3

2

Thursday

Tuesdays at Celebrities @ Celebrities

Wednesday

1

Tuesday

Lisa Lampanelli @ The River Rock

Carl Craig @ The Lotus

26

Benny Benassi @ The Commodore

Kenny Dope @ Fortune Sound Club

19

Lady Starlight @ Five Sixty

Evolution Ball @ Performance Works

12

Snowball 2011 @ Whistler Centre

Da Hanky Code Hookup @ Lick Club

5

Saturday

vanragazine #19

joan-e's

photos by nicholas jang www.double-take2.ca

rag

the indignity of valentine's

A

h February... Not typically your Auntie Joan's favourite month. It's too cold and too short. It's that icky time when the over indulgence of Christmas reveals itself in debt. Massive debt that arrives just in time to remind us that it's tax season, which is less "holler"and no "hoot". All my friends are either "on a cleanse", "writing exams" or just plain old "behaving". All the good movies are already out so that they are eligible for all the awards that, of course, fall in January and March. I know, I know, there is WinterPRIDE right? My darlings, the only time you will see this queen barrelling down a hill is if they announce free Big Macs at the McDonald's at the bottom of Mt. Davie.

As a true insult, smack dab in the middle of the accursed month, us single folk are forced to suffer through the indignity of St. Valentine's Day. There I stand with a big dumb-ass smile plastered on my face as I watch on the sidelines as my coupled friends prepare Champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, beautiful cards dripping with loving sentiment and rose petal trails that lead all the the way to their fabulous bedrooms where they make sweet sweet love and blah blah blah blah BLAH! BITTER??? Who me? Why yes, thanks for asking!

Suffice it to say that my romantic history with regard to February 14th is nothing

26

short of a St. Valentine's Massacre. Try to top this one: I was once dumped on Valentine's Day at a Spaghetti Factory in Calgary by a guy named Cliff who had one large bushy eyebrow and stuck me with the bill! I took solace by eating an entire loaf of their yummy bread with the fabulous garlic butter which melts in your mouth... but I digress. Oh, and another thing – did the month really need a day called Fat Tuesday? For people like me every Tuesday is fat Tuesday, okay?

Lots of great people are born in February.

What would the world be without the stunning contributions to humanity brought to us

by February-born Denise Richards, Carrot Bottom... er Top, and Paris Hilton I ask you? Or Yasser Arafat for that matter! Oh and I know, every single one of you born in February who is reading this probably has their knickers in a twist by now, but I don't care. It's a crap month! That said, it just occurred to me that maybe I should check to see what month my editor Cole was born in. Oh shit... V Check out more of Joan-E's Rag on www.v-rag.com or www.pinq.ca

V-rag

27

miss cotton

around town!

H

appy Febrewary Vancouver boys and girls and everyone in between! Enter the month of luv and groundhog shadows; this month is stacked to the tits with beauty, love and glamour – all of my favourite things! [Editor's note – must slip Joan-E whatever it is that Miss Cotton is on] Of course, the once a year snow-filled event WinterPRIDE is on all of our minds.

Whistler will be hot with sweaty boys and girls for the first week this month. But the night that trumps all nights this month is Saturday February 12th! Mark it in your calendars. It all starts with the Evolution Ball at Performance Works on Granville Island beginning at 8pm.

This event is jam-packed full of fun and frolic with walk offs, performances, art, music and fashion, brought to you by the fabulous House of LaDouche. The night gets even hotter at Heart Breaker: The Love & Lust Ball at Five Sixty. Featuring a very special guest on break from the MonsterBall Tour and on her to way to The Grammys with best friend Lady Gaga, the grrreat rock and roll DJ diva Lady Starlight will be here! She will be making a celebrity appearance and playing a rock set in the Bath-

room Bar with Jef Leppard, Baby Gaga, Adam Dreaddy, Quest, and of course me!

Weekly parties at different venues seem to be where it’s at lately, like Sundays at The Cobalt where Apocalypstick with Isolde N. Barron and her weekly guests serve up cabaret with a twist. Fridays continue to get faggy at Fag Fridays with Dreaddy and guests at The Oasis.

Not to mention the hot man meat being served up by the hunky shirtless bar staff, which are great for atmosphere... Saturdays belong to Five Sixty, where without a doubt you will have way too much fun in the multi-level super-club/fun-plex with multi-programmed rooms and the hottest go-go studs around!

The newly-owned 1181 is always a hotspot to start an evening out, just as Numbers and The Junction are great places to end your evening on a high note.

Have a luv-filled month, remember to try new things and think big for February!

Over and way out! xo, Miss Cotton. V Check out the all new House of Venus website www.houseofvenus.com www.youtube.com/misscottontv

vanragazine #19

LIVE ON

STAGE

I

n John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meany, the character of Owen says “if you're lucky enough to find a life you love, you have to find the courage to live it." Greg Armstrong-Morris admits that he needs to “rediscover that courage almost every day" even though he found it in grade 3. That's right, it was in grade 3 that Greg found his calling. "And it wasn’t so much in a stage as the front of the classroom. We were studying Mexico and Miss Lerondeau must’ve taken a Drama-in-Education course recently. Instead of a test, we got to act out what we’d learned for a select audience of parents and teachers. And I think the janitor was there too. I got to play Cortez.

If you don’t remember your Mexican history, Cortez was the bad guy. I was hooked."

As an adult, we're glad Greg has found many more illustrious stages to exhibit his talents. From Vancouver’s Horse Raven Theatre to the Chemainus Festival, an exciting summer at Bard on the Beach, and Seussical The Musical with Carousel Theatre, to name a few. His most memorable moments on stage include getting naked eight times a week for Persephone Theatre’s production of The Full Monty... and an incident that happened when he was in the cast of the Mirvish Productions of Lord of the Rings. “I moved to Toronto to begin rehearsals. I spent the first month learning to walk on 3-metre high stilts. I only tipped over once, in a preview, and landed on top of a 2-metre wind machine, which was fortunately not making wind at the time.”

Greg’s mission is to tell a good story – “and telling it well. At their core, all the stories ever told boil down to 4 or 5 plots. Sometimes the star-crossed lovers are teenagers from rival Italian households. Sometimes they’re vampires. But if

28

you’re honest and vulnerable when you tell the story, it’ll be worth listening to. And throw in some half-naked guys and girl-on-girl action. That’s always good for the box office.”

About his latest venture on stage, [title of show], he tells us that it is “touching and funny.

And who doesn’t like to be touched some place funny?” jokes the charismatic performer. [title of show] is about two struggling writers who hear about a new musical theatre festival.

However, the deadline for submissions is a mere three weeks away. With nothing to lose, the pair decides to try to create something new with the help of their friends. In the span of 90 minutes they write and perform their show at the festival and learn lessons about themselves as people, friends and artists. [title of show] is, above all, a love letter to the musical theatre and to the joy of collaboration. The musical received a Tony Award nomination for Best Book of a Musical in 2009.

Greg plays one of the writers, alongside Shawn Macdonald. Will there be some half-naked guys or girl-on-girl action? One will just have to go experience this Vancouver premiere to find out! V [title of show] is plays February 15-26 at The Revue Stage on Granville Island. www.titleofshow.ca

V-rag

29

WATCH: Kaboom Trailer by Gregg Araki www.tinyurl.com/vrag57

Smith's everyday life in the dorm - hanging out with his arty, sarcastic best friend Stella, hooking up with a beautiful free spirit named London, lusting for his gorgeous but dim surfer roommate Thor - all gets turned upside-down after one fateful, terrifying night. On DVD Summer 2011.

WATCH:Â In Between Men Series Trailer www.tinyurl.com/vrag58

In Between Men is a new series for the web about masculine, All-American "out" gay men who feel caught between two worlds. It follows four friends in NYC who live "in between" a gay world, whose cliches they don't relate to, and a straight world they don't belong to.

WATCH: Butch Spring /Summer 2011 www.tinyurl.com/vrag59

Brazilian model Mateus Verdelho works his alternative muscle skater boy look. This year's video for for the Butch Spring/Summer 2011 Beachwear campaign. Mateus is an alternative gay boys dream! Check out the tattoo of the pistol on his hip. www.getbutch.com WATCH: Strapped Trailer www.tinyurl.com/vrag60

A routine trick at a man's apartment propels a cynical hustler into a series of strange and life-changing encounters in this stunningly photographed film. Handsome in body, amiable in personality and efficient in sex. He's just out to make a buck, one guy at a time.

WATCH: 1313: Nightmare Mansion www.tinyurl.com/vrag61

Cult director David DeCoteau! In 1313 Nightmare Mansion, a demonic young man lures his high school classmates to a party so that he can sacrifice their souls. This one also features Survivor: Nicaragua winner Judson Birza in his first film role. Coming to VOD and DVD Feb 2011.

WATCH: Gay Pirates by Cosmo Jarvis www.tinyurl.com/vrag62

"Yo-Ho Sebastian" 21 yr-old Cosmo Jarvis is the complete package; an accomplished filmmaker, a brilliant composer and an exceptional live performer. It all comes together in his video, an ode to gay love on the high seas. www.cosmojarvis.com

february 2011 Issue 19

Use the QR Code to watch the videos on your iPhone. Download the free Mobiletag app. Scan the QR code for the video. The video will autoplay. Or type the tinyurl/vrag address into your browser/iPhone to watch the videos.

Visit www.wayoutwest.tv for more gay videos!

good time CHARLIE

by Charlie David

F

30

rom Geisha girls with painted faces, to stern businessmen clad in suits – their days spent behind a desk and nights behind a bar, Sapporo in hand, to young men celebrating with style, a new spirit of gay liberation is emerging in this conservative culture.

Tokyo, Japan is a place of vast contradictions.

There are colossal towers that paint the skyline with splashes of neon and there are quaint cherry blossom-lined streets where a visitor can meander into the capital city’s remarkable history. There are enough Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines to keep you bowing for weeks, street vendors serving bowls of steaming noodles to ladies in kimonos.

You’d be remiss to pass Shibuyu, one of the most colourful and busy districts and ground zero for many of Japan’s fashion and entertainment trends. Much like Times Square in New York City, Shibuya boasts a large intersection heavily decorated with neon advertisements and immense video screens. Thousands of pedestrians cross the intersection in every direction each time the traffic light turns green. To simply swim through the stream is to experience being a Koi fish in the crowded pond of this metropolis.

The gay scene here is a like an ever-spinning Yin Yang insignia. There is a duality of calm and chaos and of ambiguity and asserted identity. There is a famous proverb in Japanese – the tall nail gets hammered down – essentially this is a metaphor for blending in, following the mores and norms of the society and not drawing attention to oneself.

Sounds like a complete contradiction for the average gay person doesn’t it? It’s not that the Japanese are heavily burdened with religious pressure to maintain straight identities. In Buddhism, the focus is The Way, essentially do no harm, and sex in any form is not forbidden, so long as it is not degrad-

ing to oneself or another. Shintoism is a nature religion and so anything found naturally occurring in the world or with animals is considered sacred – homosexuality included. There are no deities and so no entity to incite judgment, only the pure reflection of nature herself. So in this peaceful and enlightened place what is it that keeps the LGBT of Japan closeted? The family unit. There is such an ingrained focus on family that many modern gay people will live a homosexual life in their twenties but once they approach their thirties enter into a heterosexual marriage and start a family.

I was fascinated to learn that with Samurai, the infamous warriors of Japan, it was common to have gay lovers. The most obvious reason being that it was a group of military men training and going into combat together. Many of the Samurai would maintain an ‘assistant’ relationship with a lover even once settled with a wife. Pretty cool right?

Straight by day, gay by night, most gay Tokyoites discreetly become their true selves within the comfort of the Ni-Chome district, which is believed to have the highest concentration of gay bars anywhere in the world. This could be because the area in small and densely packed into just a few blocks and most of the bars are like private clubs with a capacity of 10-20 people. Many of these are invitation only so it’s good to make a friend quickly upon arrival if you desire entré into this hidden world. I’m sure you’ll have no problem with that right? I’m off to meet a few new handsome faces myself… catch me if you can! V Charlie David is an internationally renowned author, actor and host of Logo's travel show Bump!

Where in the world is Charlie? http://twitter.com/CharlieDavid

vanragazine #19

HEALTH

& wellness

by Jason Keller

I

think we can all agree that sex is fun.

You might think of simple pleasure, erotic relief, or intimacy with your partner when you fantasize about dancing the horizontal mambo. But did you know that sex improves your health? There is a lot of good information out there on sexually transmitted infections and the necessity for safe sex, but there is something about the way that information is presented that makes it easy for one to think of sex as taboo.

What about the benefits of sex? The truth is that, when it’s done right, sex is good for you.

Sex Boosts Immunity - Doctors measure your immune systems strength by levels of something called Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in your blood.

IgA detects pathogens and calls on the immune system to destroy them. Studies have shown that individuals with a higher level of sexual activity have higher levels of IgA in their systems then those who abstain. Sexual activity exercises your immune system and, much like your muscles, your immune system gets stronger when it is used.

Sex Reduces Risk of Prostate Cancer in Men – In 2004, an 8 year study showed that high rates of ejaculation decreased the prevalence of prostate cancer by a third. This works by clearing toxins from the tissue and micro deposits from the ducts of the prostate.

Sex Prevents Alzheimer’s and Osteoporosis in Women – Sex has the same effect as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for women in that it increases the body’s level of Estrogens. HRT has been found to decrease ones chances of being afflicted by Osteoporosis or Alzheimer’s disease.

Sex Reduces Pain – Sex has the ability to reduce pain to the point of irrelevancy. During sex the sensations you are experiencing trigger your brain to send chemical messages to your endocrine system and endorphins are released. The endorphin release is highest during climax, but they stick around afterward and continue to have a pain relieving effect.

Sex Burns C alories – Our bodies can burn about 13

32

calories for each minute of sex. 20 sweaty minutes will burn over 250 calories. That beats the treadmill.

Guys, if you find yourself lacking a partner to burn those calories with, you might want to try working up a sweat in a different way. Health Initiative for Men has free yoga classes on Friday nights and regularly runs fitness groups for various levels of ability. Check it out at www.checkhimout.ca Sex Relieves Stress – People who have more frequent sex have been shown to have a lower baseline blood pressure and a lower negative biological response to major life stressors such as public speaking. This seems to suggest that you might fare better in big presentations at the office or important exams if you have sex more often. Stress is also eased through proper sleep.

This brings me to my next point.

Sex Helps Sleep – Soothing, sensual sex right before bed can be a great sleep promoter. Vigorous sexual activity during the day also promotes sleep for the same reasons that exercise during the day does. When the endorphins leave your system, a compound is released in the brain that actually promotes sleep.

It is evident that it does not matter what your sexuality is to enjoy the health benefits of sex. All sex has adaptive value because it is an important part of what balances our biology.

A rigorous romp can do wonders for you both physically and psychologically. Now you can tell your partner that sex is not just fun, but your lives may depend on it. V Jason Kellar is a Community Counsellor at Three Bridges Community Health Centre. www.vch.ca

Where Social Meets Savvy

1girl 5gays

Will Smith and his husband Jada are amazing!

I'm kidding. Honestly, Ellen Degeneres is such a gangster, I love her and everything she does and has done. Neil Patrick Harris and his husband and new twins are the epitome of gorgeous, but my biggest gay role model would have to be Mr. Harvey Milk. I saw the movie Milk recently and it blew me away. Cried for two hours!

What's playing on your iPod right now?

Well, according to my iPod I've played "Hold It Against Me" by Britney Spears 49 times (it came out 2 days ago). I also love The Pretty Restless, Janelle Monae, Bob Marley, Bruno Mars... basically "happy" music!

Kurt Cobain or David Bowie?

Such a good one! That is so hard... they are both so sexy in different ways. I think I have to give it to Bowie. He's pure sex.

Golden Girls or Designing Women?

Do you know how quickly Juan from 1g5g would be at me if I didn't say Golden Girls?

photo by reilly rightmyer

Do you think He-Man was gay?

Let's get to know this week's gay: David Robert!

Yes! I remember actually thinking about this when I was younger. He's hot.

Green Lantern or Green Hornet?

I think I'm going to say Green Hornet. I like people and things that are a little rougher around the edges.

What would your drag name be?

Did you see our Drag episode? When we were shooting that, people were calling me AnnaNicole August! I kinda love it!

Do you think 1 girl 5 gays is changing perspections about gay men?

Who on the show would be…

Yes. Of course we have the typical (and amazing) Cher and Madonna-loving gay guys, but we also have guys from each end of the spectrum. That's the beauty of the gay community - as more and more people feel comfortable and ready to come out, you realize you can't put us all in the same box anymore.

We're all different and unique and special. (Did that come across as high-school special-y as I think it did?)

...a one night stand? Ian Lynch - he's a skank and I love him.

Who are your favourite gay role models in the media?

34

...husband material? Jonathan Nathaniel!

...a politician? Jake - he's fancy. ...a bff? Aliya-Jasmine is like the coolest chick on the planet. ...a star? Juan is like the biggest superstar in Canada in my opinion! V New episodes of 1 girl 5 gays air every Friday at midnight on MTV Canada. Season 1 airs in the US every Monday at midnight. www.mtv.ca

PRESENTS

WEN WEI DANCE AND BEIJING MODERN DANCE COMPANY

UNDER THE SKIN

MARCH 11 & 12 VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE Info: www.dancehouse.ca Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ca SEASON SPONSORS

TOP: WEN WEI DANCE, STEVEN LEMAY BOT TOM: BEIJING MODERN DANCE CO., WANG ZHE

wasted thoughts

by Rob Easton

I

can’t remember if I’ve mentioned it or not, but I’ve been looking for work for the last 8 months. With the help of EI and a bit of freelancing, I’ve been able to survive though. That said, I feel like I should be trying harder. I should have a job by now.

Part of the problem is that I’m a terrible self promoter. You’re probably thinking, “Yeah right, says the guy writing in his narcissistic column all about himself.” But it’s true. I’m much better at being critical of myself than touting the benefits of having me around. I’m much better at promoting ideas or other things than myself.

I’m way too neurotic.

Case in point, a recent episode where a friend working as a researcher on another TV show encouraged me to audition.

Since I’ve done it before, I knew what was involved: a demo - footage of me doing ridiculous things on camera from previous shows would suffice; a bio, I can write it; resume, ready; references if necessary, check; headshot... Ugh. I still have old ones from a couple of years ago – the ones I used for Don’t Quit Your Gay Job actually – but looking at them now, I remember the tough time I had. I look stiff, uncomfortable. My neuroses haven’t gone away either. I look fat in the photo - a good 10 lbs heavier in a bad way.

Time for some new photos!

But professional head shots are expensive.

They can run you a good hundred bucks easy.

I’m also mostly unemployed, and fairly broke (not to mention cheap), so I crowd source (a.k.a. wine to my friends until one of them with an

36

SLR pipes up and offers to take them).

Although I am happy with the one shot I chose, the process was still painful. Out of the 40-odd photos taken, we had maybe five passable ones. I am not a strong model.

Part inability to hold still, part performance anxiety, the forced uneasy smile is often all I can muster. This time, I compensated. I started jumping around to loosen up. I made silly faces.

I tried “smeyesing”. The result: a model that’s just a little bit too “happy”, a creepy child molester, and a drunk.

Oh dear.

I managed to pick out 7 photos – 4 because they were postable and 3 that would make my friends laugh.

In the end, there really was only one choice, one photo out of 44!!

If I were a better self promotor, I probably would have been able to channel my energies better. I would have had a decent, professional shot ready to go, ahead of time with my demo just a DVD burn away. Oh, the self sabotage!

Though I often sneer at them, I admire those people who are able to say the right thing about themselves to the right people at the right time.

They always get the promotions. They get jobs way faster. They make good business partners.

So I guess I really should just stop being so vain and get on with it, eh? V Questions? Comments? Nudes pics? robeaston@mac.com

V-rag

37

Oasis Ultra Lounge VANCOUVER'S NEW HOT SPOT

It's official, the hole in our hearts has been filled.

With the closing of the beloved Odyssey, a lot of us were at a loss for venues that catered to a younger crowd. Who would have guessed that it would be reborn at The Oasis Ultra Lounge, formerly a piano bar and restaurant? Under new management, hottie Yannick Desautels has transformed the Oasis into Vancouver's hippest nightly hangout. Line-ups down the block are a regular Fag Friday occurance and it's even playing host to the official WinterPRIDE after party on Feb. 6. Weekends see DJs like Adam Dreaddy and Nick Bertossi, while the weekdays host a variety of karaoke and cabaret-style shows like the brand new Oh Fuck It's Monday. All this, and the deliciously revamped tapas menu make Oasis the newest spot to see and be seen. If you haven't been lately, get your ass down there! Oasis Ultra Lounge, 1240 Thurlow St. www.oasisondavie.com

february 2011 Issue 19

FOOD:notes

Score On Davie THE TREND SETTER

Winter Olympics. The friendly staff and great food make it a local favourite, and has set the trend of other sports bars opening up on the strip. Don't be fooled, though, Score is one of a kind. Coming up on its five year anniversary, the little bar is stronger than ever before. Take that, haters. Score On Davie, 1262 Davie St. www.scoreondavie.com

photo by joe kendrick

I was really surprised to learn that Score On Davie wasn't well received by all members of the community when it opened in 2006. In fact, some media accused it of "taking away our gay spaces".

Funny really, since Score embodies everything we as a community have been striving for; equality, inclusiveness and integration. The mix of straight, gay, lesbian, bi and trans patrons is something to be proud of. Maybe that's why it was such a perfect choice for the first ever Pride House during the 2010

vanragazine #19 #18

FILM:notes Black Swan D: darren aronofsky

Blue Valentine D: Derek Cianfrance

First off, I just want to say that I have never been the biggest fan of director Darren Aronofsky. Pi was headache-inducing, Requiem for a Dream was an emotionally manipulative pile of poop, and don't even get me started on The Fountain. Look up the trailer and you'll see why.

So it was with a bit of reluctance that I went to see his first forray into psychological horror, Black Swan. Mr. Aronofsky has definitely grown up. Black Swan has the maturity of The Wrestler, but adds a fascinating body-horror element that would make David Cronenberg proud.

With the Oscars fast approaching, Natalie Portman has been on the winning track for Best Actress. Her performance is nothing less than astonishing as the timid Nina Sayers, spiraling into the depths of insanity and paranoia.

Aronofsky has made a career out of making films about New Yorkers on the brink of madness, but he finally gets it spot-on with Black Swan. It's a perfect blend of melodrama, sexual tension, nightmare logic and horror. Shades of Mulholland Dr and Tetsuo: Iron Man peek through the narrative, based around a ballet company's production of Swan Lake. Vincent Cassel plays the director of the company in probably the best role he's had since Irreversible. Barbara Hershey, Mila Kunis and Winona Ryder all turn in fantastic supporting performaces as well.

So, I suppose I need to eat my words about Mr. Aronofsky. I'm eagerly awaiting his next film and I'll be team Black Swan on Oscars night.

Blue Valentine is not just another chick flick with Ryan Gosling. Maybe I didn’t really know what I was getting into when I went to see it, but trust me when I say do not bring your new girlfriend or boyfriend to this movie!

Blue Valentine is a film about the beginning and end of a relationship. Innovatively structured, the narrative unfolds in two distinct time frames, juxtaposing scenes of first love and youthful sexuality with those of disenchantment and discord. Co-written and directed by Derek Cianfrance, Blue Valentine takes a nonjudgemental and observant approach to the dynamics of the relationship that it explores.

Both Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling are so compelling to watch, and their roles are so realistically written, it’s hard to believe they are just acting. Tightly framed cinematography captures their every reaction, gesture and fleeting expression to communicate a wealth of information about what they are feeling.

We are not asked to take sides, and our attempts to do so are hindered. The movie raises a number of issues, from unwanted pregnancy to the reversal of gender roles, but in the end it's a story about how the withering of love, just like its beginning, requires the efforts of two people.

Every once in a while a film arrives that is so honest, so expertly crafted and so sincere that the powerful emotional response it elicits is profound. Blue Valentine is one of those rare films.

See it with somebody you are breaking up with.

by Cole Johnston

38

by Lana Chunn

V-rag

39

Britney Spears Fences hold it against me fences

by Jeff Lawrence

by Lana Chunn

Not so much an album as a excessively-hyped single, "Hold It Against Me" by Britney Spears deserves a review based on success alone. It debuted in the #1 slot on Billboard’s Hot 100 for digital releases, a feat only achieved

by Mariah Carey before her.

So why is Britney feeling so insecure? The kiddie-popturned-dance-floor-diva has proven that she has staying power and, more importantly, good producers. Really, really fucking good producers. And now she’s up in my iTunes, all talking about forgiving her for coming off too strong and not holding it against her.

Maybe she’s insecure because the refrain of her song is based on a bad pun. Or because her voice is at a point where it needs to be chopped, sliced, doubled, filtered and auto-tuned to sound good, and it still sounds bad. Or because she still has no clue what dubstep is, yet a dubstep producer is making her next album. Good luck on figuring it all out, Brit.

Fences’ self-titled debut album is an emotional affair. This is the type of melancholy acoustic album you may listen to on a dreary rainy winter day or when you're suffering from some sort of heartbreak, or both.

Seattle’s Chris Mansfield is the singer/songwriter behind the name and he effortlessly draws you in with 10 achingly heartfelt acoustic pop songs. About heartbreak and break-ups, these are love stories with simple melodies and effective, short and to the point, choruses.

His lyrics are similar to diary entries; they’re honest, contemplative and full with narratives that are so crystal-clear you can’t help but think of your own life’s little setbacks.

At times, the album sounds like a purging of pent-up heartache. Mansfield is candid and hasty, sometimes half-singing and half-whipping out resentful lyrics.

For a debut album, Fences is a brilliantly beautiful, mature and nostalgic album and I can’t wait to hear what Christopher Mansfield has to offer further into his musical career.

Daft Punk tron: legacy

by Cole Johnston

If you're looking for the Daft Punk you've come to know and love from albums like Homework and Discovery, this may not be the album for you. Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de HomemChristo have gone from electro boogie monsters to masters of sweeping dramatic film scores.

They manage to blend orchestral strings and a classical feel with their trademark squelching synths. No strangers to soundtracks (Bangalter scored the 2002 film Irreversible), Tron is a much more refined outing.

"Reflections" and "Outlands" could have easily been pieces by Danny Elfman, whereas tracks like "End of Line", "Rinzler", "Legacy", "Derezzed" and the standout "The Grid" remind us that we are, in fact, listening to the French robot duo.

On the whole, the album sounds closer to a Giorgio Moroder score from the early 1980s. And that's a very cool thing. Daft Punk has carved a new genre from a fairly mediocre Disney film; who knew?!

Not for every taste, but surely a landmark electronic album.

february 2011 Issue 19

MUSIC:notes

vanragazine #19

BOOK:notes Tom Rob Smith child 44

Gretchen Rubin the happiness project

Need a bit of action? Craving Jack Baueresque adventure? I did and I found it all in Tom Rob Smith’s first book Child 44 – if you pick it up you won’t be able to put it down.

Admittedly, crime fiction is a guilty pleasure, but Child 44 has the texture of more serious writing. Simple bravura crime narrative cleverly develops disturbing Soviet ideological undertones in this dense, ingeniously plotted book.

Long listed for the Man Booker Prize in 2008 and winner of the Waverton Good Read Award in 2009, Child 44 is based on the crimes of Ukrainian serial killer Andrei Chikatilo, also known as the Rostov Ripper, who was convicted of and executed for 52 murders in the Soviet Union.

Efficient, charismatic and ruthless Officer Leo Demidov of the MGB (precursor to the KGB) leads an unsanctioned investigation when the bodies of murdered children are found. Leo is sure they're the work of a serial killer, but the Communist Party refuses to accept. He is demoted, exiled and erased, but he continues his grisly search for the killer – fighting and deceiving the system at every turn.

The book is less about Leo’s detective prowess and more about his struggle in the suffocating Stalinist-Orwellian nightmare of Tom Rob Smith’s Soviet Union. You find yourself wincing with every emotional and physical blow Leo takes, and holding your breath as he fights his way through to the end. The pace is thrilling; the tension is palpable. Read it before the movie comes out in the next year or so.

January is a time for reflection and making resolutions. February is a time for breaking them. If you are anything like me and suffer from the malaise of ‘fine’ and an inability to stick to said resolutions, Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project is the book for you.

Although Rubin realises that her life isn’t really bad, it’s passing her by and she’s taking it for granted. Essentially, her life is ‘fine’ and so resolutions are not what she is looking for. Instead, she looks at how to improve her life in small but consistent ways. After careful thought, she divides her happiness project into monthly subjects. She is quick to point out that what increases her happiness won’t work for everyone and she encourages you to think about what areas you want to work on.

Rubin really does focus on baby steps and it’s interesting to read how she approached her happiness project and what areas she found hard to commit to. It’s refreshing to find an author that tells the truth about where they failed and what changes they had to make in order to succeed.

The book is full of quotes and facts from scientific studies, to Prime Ministers, to poets. According to one study that Rubin cites, when determining a person’s level of happiness “genetics accounts for about 50 percent; life circumstances, such as age, gender, income, health... account for about 10 to 20 percent; and the remainder is a product of how a person thinks and acts.”

So I intend to think and act a little happier.

Would you care to join me?

by Toby Moisey

40

by Jacqui Baille

1238 Davie Street_ 604.669.1753_

www.littlesisters.ca

T-Shirts so soft, You'll love us the most.

vanragazine #19

LISTINGS friday february 4 SPIT The Leather and Lace Party!

Even sexier and sluttier than ever before. The ANZA Club, 3 W. 8th Ave. sunday february 6 Unwind: WinterPRIDE After Party Tired from the week of Whistler parties? Couldn't make it up? Either way, Unwind at the Oasis, 1240 Thurlow. tuesday february 8 Ballet BC: Unreal Ballet BC performing improvisational reactions

42

26

to the exhibitions Unreal, Walking + Falling. Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby. thursday february 10

saturday february 12

Sad Mag Issue 6 Launch Our favourite magazine in Vancouver (other than this one) celebrates Issue # 6.

Come celebrate! The ANZA Club, 3 W. 8th Ave.

Heart Breaker Ball with Lady Starlight Lady Gaga's BFF and the tour DJ for the Monsterball rocks the house at Five Sixty, Seymour.

friday february 11

saturday february 26

Gay Top Model presents The Bond Experience Meet the model finalists of the 4th season and vote for your favourite model in a tuxedo. J Lounge, 1216 Bute.

Lisa Lampanelli Be prepared to get an earful from the Queen of Mean, V-Rag's pick of the month. The River Rock Theatre, 8811 River Rd.

OH FUCK IT'S MONDAY

FREE POOL

1/2 OFF MENU FROM 6-7PM $10 JUGS

Social @ 2PM $8 PITCHERS oasis lager

SUNDAY KEGGER

ALL DRINK SPECIALS ALL DAY

SUNDAY SPIN CYCLE W/ DJ NICK BERTOSSI

SCORE ON DAVIE

STEAMWORKS

$2.50 HOTDOGS $2.50 CANS OF PBR

WELL LIQUOR SPECIALS

DJ TIM

GLEE TUESDAYS

Please send event and calendar listings to events@v-rag.com.

PUMPJACK

OASIS

NUMBERS

3SUM IN THE LOFT

INDUSTRY NIGHT

G80Z SUNDAYS

GLEE TUESDAYS

BUDDY TUESDAYS 1 ROOM FOR 2

BLACKOUT MONDAYS LOCKERS $6, ROOMS $14

Comedy Night: Tops & Bottoms

RUSSELL & TWISTED COOLERS SPECIALS

$0.25 WINGS, $4 PINTS OF GRANVILLE ISLAD

TOOLBOX WEDNESDAYS: EVERY LAST WEDNESDAY

live music

NUMBERS IDOL

PILSNER SPECIALS

Live Bands

RED TRUCK LAGER & BEEFEATER HIGHBALLS

BINGO FOR LIFE & DOLLICIOUS

TUESDAYS AT CELEBRITIES

Wednesdays

WILD WEDNESDAYS

Tuesdays

CHILL

HOUSE WINE & BLUE

VILLAGE SUNDAYS: DRAG SHOW

CAESARS & OKANAGAN SPRINGS SPECIALS

APOCALYPSTICK

Mondays

NUMBERS IDOL

LICK

JUNCTION

J LOUNGE

F212

FOUNTAINHEAD

FIVE SIXTY

THE COBALT

CELEBRITIES

1181

CHEAP SUNDAYS

Sundays

LIGHTS OUT PARTY

$3 HIGHBALLS, $5 DOUBLES, $5 PIZZAS

ALL BEER, CIDERS & COOLERS ON SPECIAL

Spin THURSDAYS

LATINO NIGHT

DRAG IDOL

MIXX ARTISTS

MENERGY THURSDAYS LOCKERS FROM $4

GROWERS CIDERS & KEITHS SPECIALS

HARD CANDY

COCKY

Thursdays

Saturdays

SQUIRT EVERY 2ND FRIDAY/ DJ NICK BERTOSSI

OK SPRINGS JUGE $15.16 DROP SHOTS $6

RUSSELL CREAM SPECIALS

fag fridays with dj adam dreaddy

BEARS, BATH & BEYOND EVERY 4TH SATURDAY

BUCKETS OF CORONS $19

BLACK SATURDAY / SHOW YOUR STUFF

guys & dolls

SATURDAY DANCE PARTY

GRIND, NAWTYBOX, & MAN-UP ROTATING

BASELINES: EVERY 3RD FRIDAY DJ DREW

CONNECTION SATURDAYS

SULTRY SATURDAYS: SHOWS & DJs

GRANVILLE ISLAND & SMIRNOFF ICE SPECIALS

magic sessions mkw main room

RELEASE SATURDAYS

STRUT SATURDAYS

THE SOCIAL

FIXX FRIDAYS: SHOWS & DJs

STUDENT LOCKERS $6 ANYTIME

KOKANEE & POLAR ICE VODKA HIGHBALLS

STEREOTYPE FRIDAYS

TRIGGER FRIDAYS

Fridays

NIGHTLIFE in VANCOUVER

V-rag

43

vanragazine #19

DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER

V-MAP

NIC

Robson Market

J Lounge (1216 Bute)

18

Lick Nightclub (455 Abbott)

19

Little Sisters Bookstore (1238 Davie)

20

M2M (1210 Granville)

21

Masc Skincare (433 Davie)

22

Mine Salon (177 E. Broadway)

23

Numbers Cabaret (1042 Davie)

24

Oasis Ultra Lounge (1240 Thurlow)

25

Old G.M. Place - Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way)

26

Pacific Cinematheque (200-1131 Howe)

27

Pacific Sun Co. (1060 Davie)

28

Pompadours on Denman (1071 Denman)

29

Priape (1148 Davie)

30

Public House JUNCTION (1138 Davie)

31

PumpJack Pub (1167 Davie)

32

Republic (958 Granville)

33

Roundhouse Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews)

E. 1ST AVE

34

Score On Davie (1262 Davie)

E. 2ND AVE

35

Scratch Records (726 Richards)

36

Steamworks (123 W. Pender)

37

Top Drawers (115-1030 Denman)

38

VanCity Theatre (1181 Seymour)

39

Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby)

E. 8TH AVE

40

Venue (881 Granville)

E. BROADWAY

41

Videomatica (1855 W. 4th Ave)

42

West End Community Centre (870 Denman)

43

WISE Hall (1882 Adanac)

E. 12TH AVE

44

Zulu Records (1972 W.4th Ave)

E. 13TH AVE

1600

1700 BIDWELL

1800

1900

GILFORD

COMOX

NELSON PARK

CARDERO

NICOLA

DAVIE

34 19

1 31

29 30

15 10

23 27 3

BURNABY

24

17

HARWOOD

PACIFIC BLVD BEAC H

PACIF

GE

n

SEA WA LL PROME NADE

M

BRID

ai

SUNSET BEACH

Stadium

9

HARWOOD

St .

ENGLISH BAY BEACH

PENDRELL

DAVIE VILLAGE

CARDERO

BIDWELL

PENDRELL

BURRARD

le

28

Gr an vil

Burrard

CHILCO

nt PENDRELL

NELSON

THURLOW

17

37

1000

Independent Flixx (976 Denman)

BUTE

H.I.M. Main Office (310-1033 Davie)

16

CARDERO 1500

15

16 West End

D

BARCLAY

1200

42

BUTE

GO LA

West End Community Centre

ROBSON

HARO

JERVIS

Grace Gallery/The Narrow (1898 Main)

HARO

fro

Fals Yac

RAR D

ENGLISH TELUS BAY World of Science

BUR

VANIER PARK H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Maritime Museum Vancouver Museum

44

41

KS EE CR

E. 3RD AVE

5

E. 4TH AVE

43

14

E. 5TH AVE

E. 5TH AVE

E. 7TH AVE

E. 14TH AVE E. 15TH AVE E. 16TH AVE

E. 10TH AVE E. 11TH AVE

GUELPH

QUEBEC

ONTARIO

MANITOBA

COLUMBIA

ALBERTA

YUKON

22

FRASER

SCOTIA

E. 6TH AVE

ST. GEORGE

MAIN

MAIN

ID E

CAMBIE

South Granville

LOST LAGOON

BUTE

Gorg-O-Mish (695 Smithe)

ALBERNI

WARD

Goldie’s (605 W. Pender)

13

Royal Centre

W. GEORGIA

PRINCE ED

12

Bentall Centre

MELVILLE

DER

EN W. P BROUGHTON

ginger62 (1219 Granville)

CHILCO

11

DE ENA SEAWALL PROM BAYSHORE

RK CAUSEWAY Y PA NLE STA

CHILCO

Fountainhead Pub (1025 Davie)

ON DR IVE

F212 Steam (4307 Main)

er at W

9 10

VA DO S COR STING HA W.

Coal Harbour Community Centre

Harbour Cruises

TO LIONS GATE BRIDGE, NORTH & WEST VANCOUVER, NANAIMO FERRIES AND WHISTLER

1300

Five Sixty (560 Seymour)

W C

BRUNSWICK

8

RD

1400

Cranberries Spa (330 Robson)

H.M.C.S Discovery

COAL HARBOUR

BROUGHTON

7

P

Im Ca Vancouv Conv C

BURRARD INLET

SOPHIA

IPE LIN Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville) E

Royal Vancouver Yacht Club

WATSON

Cobalt (917 Main)

6

DEADMAN'S ISLAND

DRIVE SCE

5

14

44

STANLEY PARK

CARDERO

Club 23 West (23 West Cordova)

NICOLA

4

Vancouver Aquarium

MAIN

Celebrities Nightclub (1022 Davie)

BIDWELL

Caya (808 Davie; 14 Water)

3

S Pa ss eaB en u ge s rF er ry

2

DENMAN

1181(1181 Davie)

GILFORD

1

EN DE R

ER

.P

KE

EF

E

TIN G S

UN IO N IO R

UC

T

KE EF ER

PR

W .H AS

W .P EN DE R

AD VI R UI M NS DU

TH

LVD PAC IFIC B

BEATTY EXPO BLVD 100

CAMBIE

HAMILTON 300

400

MAINLAND HOMER

RICHARDS

SEYMOUR

AY

D

W

IDE CRES

2N

E AV

E

GRANVILLE

TELUS World of Science OMNIMAX

FOX W

G

HOWE

T

ID

HORNBY

C DU

BR

1200

A VI

E

20

21

C

BI

11

38

BE

M

HELMCKEN

1100 DAVIE

2

500

600

700

800

NELSON

UE

CA

900

32

1000

26

7

Orpheum Theatre

SMITHE

Q

SKYTRAIN

B.C. Place Stadium TERRY

Ya l e t o w n

6

Downtown 40 13

RGIA GEO

GRIFFITHS WA

N

MARINAS

ROBSON

900

EC

ROUTE

G.M. 25 Place

35

RE

AI

EB

Y

39

O

SO U

Vancouver Playhouse

Queen The Elizabeth Theatre Pacific Bay Centre The Centre 700 Vancouver in Vancouver for the Centre Vancouver Vancouver Performing Arts Library Art Gallery

800

E.

ALE XAN DER PO W EL L CO RD O VA L

D

LV OB

EXP

DUNSMUIR

N

G

M

QU

8

Pacific Centre

600

A

W. PENDER

SO

Chinese Cultural Centre Museum and Archives

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

36

IE MB CA

12

BI

18

W. HASTINGS

500

AL

Steamclock

Harbour Centre

400

l e

RR

W

CORDOVA

Waterfront Sinclair Centre Centre

4

TT BO AB

Waterfront The Station Landing

stER Ga AT

CA

Seabus Terminal

Gassy Jack Statue

2n

ow

M

NT

RO

F TER WA

CK

45 february 2011 Issue 19

LU

TO NORTH VANCOUVER

JA

a in n Ch ow T

CO

max Theatre anada Place ver Trade & vention Centre

HA ST IN G S

V-rag

24

33

DRAKE 1300

AWARD-WINNING DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER CONDO SPECIALIST

FIC BLVD 1400 LOWER GRANVILLE

BEACH

GRANVILLE BRIDGE

se Creek cht Club

K

EE

BEACH

L

SE

FA JOHNSTON

GRANVILLE ISLAND

CR

CHARLESON PARK

N

SO

LE

AR

CH

H

6T

E AV

www.blairsmith.ca 604.313.8732 29

HELPING YOU MAKE ALL THE RIGHT MOVES.

Q&A DJ

robyn graves Robyn Graves is our first DJ who also was a reigning Empress of Vancouver! Though she doesn't always DJ in full drag, Graves' trademark look will definitely get the attention of any audience. You can catch the disco diva spinning the latest pop and dance remixes at 1181 and Junction, and be sure to catch her taking it back to the old school at the Electric Circus in March!

When did you start DJing?

1985 CHMO 1450AM... It was a volunteer radio station in Moosonee, Ontario. I was 14 at the time with a 2 hour set on Saturday afternoons. At the time, the station was noted for having the youngest on-air staff in the country… I played a lot of Scritti Politti, Arcadia, A-Ha and Corey Hart!

Favourite gig(s)?

In the late '90s I used to DJ at The Royal on Granville every Friday from 6pm till midnight. It was the place to be back then, packed with the afterwork crowd... awesome energy! So many drunks. I think I remember some pretty good times there!

What kind of music do you play?

I like to play fun, high energy music. I'm a man in a dress playing for a room full of queens, so I never try to take myself too seriously. I love tracks with strong female vocals. I mean are you gonna get home and remember that latest

46

TOP TEN

1. S pagna - "Call Me (7th Heaven Remix)" 2. R ihanna - "S&M" 3. Milk and Sugar Vs Vaya Con Dios – "Hey Nah Nah Neh" 4. Yelle – "Safari Disco Club" 5. Kylie Minogue – "Get Outta My Way (7th Heaven Remix)" 6. Bingo Players – "Tom's Diner" 7. E BTG – "Missing (Fedde Le Grand Remix)" 8. J.lo & Pitbull – "On The Floor" 9. Rihanna – "What's My Name (Saul Ruiz PM Club Edit)" 10. Anything by Crystal Waters

dubstep remix of an Afrojack track or are you gonna remember dancing to Samantha Fox? Hmm...

Rock star moments?

I'm in drag! Everytime I walk into the club it's a rock star moment... a lame rock star, but a rock star nonetheless!

DJ nightmare?

Thunder Bay, Ontario! I would DJ at the monthly gay socials (as they were called back then) and it was always about 55-60% lesbians and they would always yell! Not request, they would yell at me to slow it down so they could slow dance. So, um... lots of kd Lang and Melissa Etheridge. I'm getting the shivers right now thinking about it.

Musical inspirations?

WOMEN WOMEN WOMEN! I love Deborah Harry, Lady Miss Kier, Pat Benatar... Chicks with balls, kinda like me I guess! Ke$ha and that whole group are products. I mean, sure, I play them because that's what people wanna hear, but I think they definitely lack the testicular fortitude that the women before them possessed. V